If you have ever wondered how diverse Muslims can be, check out this National Geographic article on Muslims in Indonesia (the largest Muslim country in the world). They range from those who praise the 9/11 attacks and the Bali bombing to a transgender TV star beloved by conservative Muslims, from a female Sharia officer giving citations to men who fail to attend mosque on Friday to a man who is a Ki, a mystic who claims to have magical powers. All of them are Muslim and all of them take seriously their religion.
Here is one of the final paragraphs:
Ultimately, Indonesia may be simply too big and diverse to adhere to any narrow definition of Islam. Even something as secular as one Indonesian takeoff on American Idol can be a platform for Islamic variety. During a recent season, the final two contestants were both Muslim women. One wore a veil, one did not. No one seemed to care. Indonesia’s national motto, after all, is “Bhinneka tunggal ika—Unity in diversity.”
This should teach us to take care before we paint all Muslims with a broad stroke, just as others should take care before they do the same with those who call themselves Christians.
Also check out the great photo slide show.
HT: Talk Islam
